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Monday 20 May 2024

Levenmouth photography competition winner announced

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

The winner of a Fife-based photography competition, celebrating the upcoming opening of the Levenmouth Rail Link, has been announced.

Ruth Vance, from Auchtermuchty, won the competition after her image, which captured Anstruther fireworks display wowed the judges.

The photo, along with nine other shortlisted images, will be displayed in and around Leven in the coming weeks as the countdown continues to the line opening on June 2.

Jim Hamilton, the lens behind the Levenmouth Building A Railway Facebook page, worked with Network Rail to organise the competition, which received 60 entries that captured the unique beauty of Fife.

He worked with renowned photographer and writer Hamish Brown MBE, to shortlist the best 10 photographs before reaching the decision of the overall winner and two runners up.

Jim said: “The photo competition has been a wonderful way to celebrate the return of the railway to Levenmouth.

“It was interesting to see how entrants interpreted the theme and he three finalists showed how motivated they were to produce that special, one-off image. Everyone be very proud of their photographs, as each one has captured something unique and beautiful.”

Hamish Brown MBE, photographer and writer, said: “This was a very interesting competition that showcased the many wonderful things that Fife has to offer. The photographs have truly captured a tremendous range of topics and quality.

“Although many of those who entered were amateurs they all did a professional job. There were some really outstanding images, which made it rather difficult to judge and choose a winning entry.

“Congratulations to our finalists and well done to everyone who entered this competition.”

Joe Mulvenna, Network Rail’s project manager for the Levenmouth Rail Link project said: “The number of entries for the photography competition is another example of how invested the community is in welcoming the return of the railway to Levenmouth. Congratulations to all who took part and to the winner, Ruth.

“Over the last few months, the range of initiatives and events organised by local people, as part of the countdown celebrations, showcases this vibrant community at its very best and shows a real sense of ownership around the new railway.

“I have no doubt that the return of the railway will help generate so many opportunities and encourage future inward investment to this part of Fife. And, as captured by our photo competition entrants, Levenmouth is not just a great place to live, it is also a great place to visit.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said: “With excitement really building as we move ever closer to the Levenmouth Rail Link opening, it's great to see the way the local community has been getting involved in all the activities.

"Telling the story of what this part of Fife has to offer will help promote its tourism market. The enthusiasm for this photography competition shows how proud its residents and visitors are of all its local beauty. 

"I look forward to congratulating the winner in person at the opening ceremony and to seeing the photographs on display. "

The two runners up places were awarded to the same photographer – Lynne Muir from Anstruther, who received second place for her image of Anstruther Harbour Wave and third for her photo of the Northern Lights taken between Anstruther and St. Andrews.

Ruth and Lynne will also receive a commemorative certificate and nominate a local charity of their choice to receive a prize to the value of £500 from the winner and £250 for each of the runner up positions.

The Scottish Government-funded rail link includes a new six-mile double-tracked line with two stations in Leven and Cameron Bridge, reconnecting local people to the railway after a gap of more than 50 years.

For the latest information and updates as the Levenmouth Rail Project, follow on twitter @NetworkRailScot or visit www.scotlandsrailway.com/projects/levenmouth-reconnected-raillink